If you (like me) have been unusually disorganised with your Christmas shopping this year, fear not! With the always epic Net a Porter sale starting this week, our disorganisation might just have have paid off!
To save you some time, I’ve scoured the entire site and created a small edit of my favourite pieces (some of which you may have already seen me wearing over 2018…)
If you, like me, have ever felt totally overwhelmed by paint charts, spent far too much money and too much time testing various (and usually pretty identical) colours on your walls, ordered the wrong amounts, or just simply got the choices so completely wrong and had to end up repainting entirely… Then, breathe easy folks… Farrow and Ball have got you!
Having experienced the aforementioned paint frustrations more times than I wish to remember, I was determined that my boyfriend, whilst coming to the end of a long and tiring house renovation, was not to have this last and final hurdle be a stressful one. Although we both had some ideas for what colours we thought might work on each floor and room (mine perhaps being the less subtle of preferences, unshockingly…) I suggested we get a Farrow and Ball in-home colour consultation to give us both some guidance and some peace of mind on this frequently daunting mission!
Within one hour of Scott our colour consultant arriving at the house, during which time he speedily analysed both the structural detailing and lighting plan of the house, and listened patiently to our haphazard thoughts, he had brilliantly helped us devise an entire paint scheme to fit both the house and our lifestyle using some of the 132 beautifully rich Farrow and Ball shades.
We decided on Farrow and Ball's Green Smoke for the hallway (above), using Strong White for the skirting boards and doors. In a room that is used more as a walk way than a living space, you can afford to be a little bit more dramatic and daring with your choices.
To compliment the Green Smoke, we chose Farrow and Ball's French Grey, which we moved into halfway up the stairwell at a natural divide, and then throughout the sitting room. This is a particularly calming colour, and it has a really chic feel to it.
We decided on painting some of the kitchen cabinetry in Farrow and Ball's Smoke Green, which once more created a real synergy and flow between each floor.
Whether you're veering towards the subtle or the statement, the Farrow and Ball consultants understand the particular way each paint responds to light throughout the day, and which colours and textures combine to achieve the perfect, unique scheme for your home.
Scott's advice was decidedly helpful when deciding on the master bathroom colours, as the light changes so dramatically in there throughout the day. We chose Inchyra Blue for the cabinets, which is inspired by dramatic skies (much like the usual view from the bathroom window!) which when contrasted with Farrow and Ball's Cornforth White, a magically versatile grey'ish tone, and the bathroom's dark wooden floors and herringbone white marble, creates a wonderfully intimate space.
Following up from our consultation with Scott, we received a colour fan deck with our choices and the all-important quantities of paint required to complete each room. During a time when our minds were already pickled with light switch and cabinetry handle decisions (the last few months of last year were beyond rock'n'roll, can you tell?!), having this expert and invaluable help from Farrow and Ball, and being able to confidently make our paint order, took a huge weight of our shoulders, and is worth the investment many times over!
Now, if only Farrow and Ball did carpet consulations…
In collaboration with Farrow and Ball
Photography: Ella Sadika
Hair: Taylor Taylor London
Nails: Sophie Gass
Smythson will take your ol'canvas bag and raise ya… Their new, light weight and butter-soft leather Kingly bags have launched and are fast making those now tatty canvas totes hanging in your kitchen quite redundant! Easy to carry around and designed to be rolled and unfolded without losing its shape, this bag is my perfect, and most chic, handbag overflow solution!
I always carry two bags; one large, one small. During the day, whilst whizzing around London, the large bag carries my Rose Gold MacBook, Smythson 2017 Diary and umbrella, leaving room for that last minute 1/2 pint of milk, and some sort of unnecessary Portobello Market curiosity bought en route home. The small cross-body carries the essentials I need quick access to; My orange Smythson's Mara Card Wallet which also holds my Oyster card, my iPhone 6 Plus, Lipstick (currently I’m pouting with Tom Ford's 'Bruised Plum'), mints and keys. If I go straight out after work, I check in the large bag and I'm all set with the small.
Available in their signature Nile Blue, contemporary silver and classic black, you can even have your Kingly bag personalised with your name, or favourite motif... I went for a unicorn - how sweet?!
I feel sorry for Valentine’s Day, a rather sweet day of the year that gets an enormous amount of flack. Each year you can see it merrily approaching, brim-full of romance and possibilities, with a kick in its heel, glistening heart emoji-eyes, and a pink, oh so very pink, trail of fairy dust (or perhaps Gwyneth’s Goop-recommended Sex Dust?) in its wake… All to be met by an anxiety-ridden, Hallmark-hating, eye-rolling audience of cynics, all heading for the hills to hide, regardless of their relationship status.
Now, I get it, if you’re single this can be a day, frequently fuelled by a bottle of dry white Lady Petrol, where you feel continuously reminded of your current lack of love, and if you’re in a relationship you can feel immense pressure to perform like some lame love monkey whilst spending a ludicrous amount of money.
However, in Valentine’s defence, I think it can also be seen as a day where we all can take a little Time Out from our frequently monotonous daily routines, and pay a little extra attention to one another, or friends, and even ourselves... Sometimes we sadly do need a reason, or a day each year, to remind us to do that.
Spending a lot of money is not mandatory, as a little imagination and thought can easily be just as spoiling; some of the most memorable moments can involve the simplest of gestures and just some designated time to hang out. I am however, always asked each year for Valentine’s gift suggestions from panic stricken men, SOOO gentlemen, here are a few ideas guaranteed to put a smile on all those pretty faces, without a naff teddy bear or flammable set of red underwear in sight (don’t worry Ladies, I got yo’backs too…)
Above: Jo Malone’s Valentine’s Day denim designed gift box is beyond dreamy. The sets, which contain a 100ml bottle of Jo Malone Red Roses (a scent inspired by seven of the world’s finest roses) set amongst freshly cut blooms from florist Philippa Craddock, is available from Selfridges until Feb 14th (RRP. £130.00).
Above: 'Buy to Give' this Valentine’s Day by not only spoiling your loved one with jewellery, but also directly helping to fight against ivory poaching. Every purchase from The Tembo Collection, a collection of seven Masai bead inspired bracelets I designed with Auree Jewellery, sees 100% of the profit go to For Rangers, a campaign in conjunction with Tusk that helps the heroes on the front line of conservation in their fight against elephant poaching across Africa. (RRP. £50.00 - £140.00)
ABOVE: Treat someone special to a rooooomantic stay at the swoonsome Artist Residence in London's Pimlico. To celebrate Valentine's Day, this eclectic townhouse, my fave home away from home, is offering champagne and choccies on arrival, late checkout and a free room upgrade, all for £50 on top of their usual room rates between 10.02.17 - 05.03.17. (T&C's apply, subject to availability.)
Once again ladies, I am here to save those darling men in your lives from making any highly-flammable lingerie or petrol station-bought floral disasters… You’re welcome!
Gents - Hover over the images for the direct links... This LITERALLY couldn't be ANY simpler! Good Luck.
As an aside, if anyone happens to be secretly in love with me, NOW would be the time to holler y'all... ;)
Above (L-R): I don't have pierced ears, but if I did, I'd be hoping for these... Missoma Gold and Pink Tourmaline Arc Jackets (RRP. £130.00), Missoma Gold and Diamond Bolt Hoop Earrings (£225.00)
Above: Woo and Wow your lady with Nikki Tibbles Wild at Heart's STUNNING Pimlico Bouquet (RRP. £85.00), a beautiful mix of pink roses and spray roses, clematis and anemones.
Above: A personalised, tailor made Garment Bag (£175.00) from bespoke womenswear label Tephi would make the chicest luggage for that roooomantic weekend away he’s booked… #NoPressureLads.
Below: Sick of wearing your heart on your sleeves? Try moving it to your jeans... These Christopher Kane Love Heart Boyfriend Jeans (RRP. £845.00) are BEYOND cute. Yes please.
Below: Star crossed lovers?! Smythson are taking an astrological approach to Valentine’s Day this year, with their ‘Written in the Stars’ campaign. Until February 14th you can have any of your gorgeous purchases (over £175.00) personalised with a particular star sign motif. given a complimentary personalisation service. Despite being a Scorpio, I recently had my super sleek red Mara Leather Card Holder stamped with a Lion symbol… Nothing against my sign, but lions beat creepy crawlies!
Below: Launching just in time for Valentine's Day, these stackable, rose gold Diamond Alphabet Pendants (RRP. £150.00) from Monica Vinader would make the most perfect, sparkling pressie.
Below: If champagne and choccies are not your thing (FYI we prooobably wouldn’t be friends, but I digress...) then maybe your fella can spoil you with Imbibery London’s Valentine’s Day Mylk six pack of limited edition cold pressed juice (RRP. £32.00). It's actually very delicious!
I was recently introduced to Boyarde who is well known for her vibrant pop-art infused aesthetic which she gloriously paints on any canvas, as long as it’s not paper! With her popular monogramming technique, or ability to create bespoke characters and sayings to your preference, London fashionistas went into a frenzy towards the end of last year, vying to have their tote bags personalised by the artist.
During London Fashion Week and Frieze London, Boyarde held a special exhibition at the Hyatt Regency, where several of her hand painted handbags, belonging to various tastemakers and fashion bloggers, were displayed in all their bright, shining glory. I was lucky enough to be asked to participate, by having my newly customised, dove grey Smythson Panama North South Tote displayed alongside bags belonging to Charlotte Olympia and Laura Bailey (below).
I had decided on having one of Boyarde’s ‘signature divas’ on my bag, the African Queen herself, Katherine Hepburn (a Smythson fan herself!) who we decided to colour in similar tones to Smythson’s Panama range; emerald green and red. Playing on my African roots, and OBVIOUS love of The Lion King, my sassy lil’diva hollers out, ‘Hakuna Matata, Sweet Cheeks!'
"Is it still raining? I hadn't noticed..." THE worst line in film history but very much resonating today! I'm ignoring this foul and dreary weather whilst hibernating with the March edition of Vogue, some Camomile tea (mug by Emma Bridgewater, for similar: HERE) and some hot toast with oooooodles of honey. Richard Curtis would be jolly proud.
We all know that most men fear, dread and loathe shopping so rather than ‘accidentally’ flambéing him instead of the Christmas Pudding as thanks for that last minute, delightfully flammable red underwear he left for you under the tree (“but it’s festive!”) may I suggest you help the poor fella out this year by kindly leaving this page open on his desktop…!
Above (Clockwise) L-R: REN Moroccan Rose Otto Ultra-Moisture Body Oil at Space.NK -RRP. £34.00, Finn Lambswool Throw - RRP. £95.00, Frends Layla Headphones at Matches -RRP. £109.00, Hush Vintage Rose Pyjamas - RRP. £49.50, Charlotte Olympia's Cat Nap Set -RRP. £395.00, Kalita bespoke embroidered knickers at Austique - RRP. £55.00
Above (Clockwise) L-R: Kate: The Kate Moss Book – RRP. £50.00, Jonathan Adler’s Mr and Mrs Muse Mug at Amara – RRP. £24.30, Topshop Rasberry Bow Heels – RRP. £55.00, Anya Hindmarch Girlie Stuff Wash Bag – RRP. £95.00, Princess Tam Tam’s Folie Bra – RRP. £58.00
Above (Clockwise) L-R: Noble Macmillan Tangerine 2014 Mezzo Diary – RRP. £49.00, J Crew Jewelled Drop Pearl Necklace – RRP. £135.00 £98.00, Lulu Guiness Glitter Lip Coin Purse –RRP. £75.00, Alexa Chung’s ‘It’ Biography at Waterstones - £16.99, Anthropologie’s Limited Edition Golden Monogram Mug – RRP. £8.00
Above (Clockwise) L-R: Dannijo Joanie Stud Earrings at Matches – RRP. £125.00, Topshop Collar Jacquard Dress – RRP. £75.00, Monica Vinader’s Gold Vermeil Stacking Rings - RRP. £50.00 - £100.00, Anthropologie Lady Bugs Dinner Plate – RRP. £24.00, Anthropologie Multitude Hairbands – RRP. £14.00
Above (Clockwise) L-R: Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes 5 Star Mascara in Glossy Black –RRP. £22.00, Chinti and Parker’s Grey Elbow Sweater with Heart Elbow Patch – RRP. £295.00, Austique’s ‘The World Is Your Oyster’ Card Holder – RRP. £15.00, L’Agent by Agent Provocateur Marisela Lace-Trimmed Knickers – RRP. £28.00, Graham and Green Metal Letter Lights – RRP. £330.00 each
Above (Clockwise) L-R: Smythson 'Shoe Queen' Leather Notebook at Matches - RRP. £38.00, Topshop Velvet Sequin Pencil Skirt – RRP. £42.00, ‘Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore!’ at Amazon – RRP. £37.50 £23.25, Limited Edition Diptyque Candles at Space.NK– RRP. £25.00 -£45.00. Graham and Green Ceramic Animal Boxes – RRP. £15.00 - £18.00
Above (Clockwise) L-R: Pitch Perfect DVD at Amazon – RRP. £6.99, Hope & Greenwood Flying Saucers Jar at The Conran Shop – RRP. £12.99, Moschino’s Gennarino Bear Earphones – RRP. £28.00, Eau D’Italie Tea & Rose Liquid Soap – RRP. £20.00, Chloé Bridget Mini Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag – RRP. £885.00
Above (Clockwise) L-R: DVF Diane Von Furstenberg Lips-Print Iphone Cover - RRP. £30.00£21.00, Wilbur & Gussie’s Penny Clutch - £295.00, Soru’s Double Green Opal Ring in Gold –RRP. £120.00, Beulah’s Shibani Shawl – RRP. £120.00 (10% from each Shabani shawl purchase goes to the UN’s Blue Heart Campaign against human trafficking), Biscuiteers Nativity Biscuit Set – RRP. £35.00, Just Ballerinas’ Leopard Print Slippers – RRP. £139.00
Thank you to actresses Anna Kendrick, Sienna Miller, Tara Summers and Ella Smith, presenter Louise Roe and fashionistas Savannah Miller, Tanya Semikoz and Natasha Rufus Isaacs, for sharing with The London Chatter their 2013 Christmas wishes. xxxx
Celebrating their quarter century, a whole bevy of British beauties descended upon theLondon Colliseum on Monday night for the much-anticipated 2013 British Fashion Awards. What I love about the British fash pack, is that they never arrive at awards show looking too over done. This year (with the exception of Rita Ora and Rosie Hunting-Whitely who perhaps tried a bit harder) the fashionistas arrived ready to let their dishevelled bed head hair down (rose-gold ombre hair in Sienna Miller’s case!) and wearing couture and designer gowns with the perfect nonchalance. These are some cool cats.
Above: (Clockwise) L-R: Kate Moss (in Alexander McQueen) and Rita Ora (in Vivienne Westwood), Alexa Chung in Stella McCartney, Laura Bailey (in Roksanda Ilincic) and Rosie Huntington-Whitely (in Antonio Beradi).
Above: My favourite look of the night was 21 year old Suki Waterhouse who wore a plunging lilac lace Burberry dress, accessorized with a Smythson clutch and a Noor Fares dangling necklace. The model wore her ash blonde hair in a scruffy up-do.
Amusingly, having scooped the last three British Style Awards herself, Alexa Chung passed the style baton on to none other than Harry Styles! I wasn't entirely aware that it was fashion that ol'Harry was known best for... Perhaps that's what the kids are calling it these days. In any event, the award obviously must now be retitled the British Styles Award?!
Above (Clockwise L-R): Lily Donaldson (in Marc Jacobs), Harry Styles (in Saint Laurent byHedi Slimane), Sienna Miller (in Burberry), Model of the Year Edie Campbell (in Louis Vuitton) and Poppy Delevingne (in Emilia Wickstead).
Above: Kate Moss, synonymous with British style, received a special recognition award celebrating her success in the fashion industry. Discovered at 14 years old and turning 40 next month, this does beg the question, why did this take so long?! Congrats KM!
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Womenswear Designer of the Year - Christopher Kane
Menswear Designer of the Year - Burberry
International Designer of the Year - Miuccia Prada for Prada
Designer Brand of the Year - Burberry
Accessory Designer of the Year - Nicholas Kirkwood
Emerging Womenswear Designer - Simone Rocha
Emerging Menswear Designer - Agi & Sam
New Establishment Designer - JW Anderson
Model of the Year - Edie Campbell
Red Carpet Award - Erdem
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator - Lady Amanda Harlech
British Style Award brought to you by Vodafone (voted by the public) - Harry Styles
Special Recognition Award - Kate Moss
Special Recognition Award - Suzy Menkes
Outstanding Achievement in Fashion - Terry and Tricia Jones, founders of i-D
Above (R-L): Agi Mdumulla and Sam Cotton, Suzy Menkes OBE, Lady Amanda Harlech,J.W. Anderson with model & Arizona Muse, Simone Rocha and Tim Walker.
“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” Dr. Seuss
Above (Clockwise) L-R: Underwater Dogs at Waterstones – RRP. £14.99 £11.24, Persol Black Steve McQueen Sunglasses - RRP. £191.67, Wildlife Photographer of the Year Portfolio 22 at Waterstones – RRP. £25.00 £18.75, Biscuiteers L.O.V.E Biscuit Tin – RRP. £38.50, Chocolat Factory Ballotin of Chocolate Kisses and Bites - RRP. £8.99, Classic Pink Burtonwode Boxers – RRP. £26.00, 'Irresistibly Kissable' Card - RRP. £2.75, Izola Botanist Beard Oil - RRP. £25.00
Above (Clockwise) L-R: Condé Nast Travler Photographs 25th Anniversary Collection - RRP. £60.00, Eclectic by Tom Dixon: Orientalist Scented Candle - RRP. £55.00, Taylor of Old Bond Street Pure Badger Luxury Brush and Cream Gift Set - RRP. £29.95, J.CREW Leather-Covered iPhone 5 Case - RRP. £40.00 £23.66, Prestat Zingy English Mint Dark Chocolate Wafers - RRP. £9.99, ASOS Trainers With Banana Print - RRP. £18.00, Chilli with Cool Lime Dark Chocolate Wafers - RRP. £10.25
Above (Clockwise) L-R: South Devon Chilli Farm Three Chilli Bottle Gift Pack - RRP. £13.50, Smythson, 'Note To Self' Manuscript Leather Notebook - RRP. £135.00, Tom Ford for Men eau de toilette - RRP. £45.00, ASOS Brogues With Leather Sole - RRP. £55.00, Cookery Lesson at Jamie Oliver's Recipease - From £15.00-£75.00, J.CREW Tasselled Cashmere Scarf - £95.00, Happy Socks - RRP. £8.00, Magimix Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine - RRP. £199.00
